The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced today, January 29, 2024, that Illinois—together with its Great Lakes partners—has secured up to $160 million in federal funding for the Great Lakes ReNEW initiative. Led by Current, a Chicago-based water innovation hub, ReNEW will transform how water, energy, and critical minerals are recovered and reused throughout the region—creating new economic opportunities and good-paying jobs. This historic NSF investment cements Illinois’ leadership in cutting-edge water and circular-economy solutions, turning waste streams into valuable assets for American manufacturing and beyond. By combining industrial know-how, top research institutions such as Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago, and strong public-private partnerships across six states, ReNEW will scale innovations that help eliminate hazardous chemicals, bolster domestic supply chains, and drive inclusive workforce development for communities throughout the Great Lakes region.
